@clarefeeneyuk.bsky.social
Teaching and Learning Lead.
English teacher. North East England.
MAT SP Literacy.
Associate Consultant: National Literacy Trust. Anti-racist ally. Linguistic justice.
Blogs about English teaching & Literacy.
https://clarefeeneyuk.com/
English teacher. North East England.
MAT SP Literacy.
Associate Consultant: National Literacy Trust. Anti-racist ally. Linguistic justice.
Blogs about English teaching & Literacy.
https://clarefeeneyuk.com/
A brilliant series of think pieces about English curriculum reform.
Now is the time to reinvigorate English in the ways outlined here which reflect the spirit of the CAR.
Now is the time to reinvigorate English in the ways outlined here which reflect the spirit of the CAR.
Lots of people working in English are excited by the prospect of curriculum change now the new NC is being written. We've just published 7 blogs looking at key areas identified for reform, with our hopes for where this might lead. Introduction here 1/7 englishandmedia.co.uk/blog/emc-thi...
February 10, 2026 at 7:06 PM
A brilliant series of think pieces about English curriculum reform.
Now is the time to reinvigorate English in the ways outlined here which reflect the spirit of the CAR.
Now is the time to reinvigorate English in the ways outlined here which reflect the spirit of the CAR.
Reposted
We spend a lot of time talking about engagement.
Much less time talking about investment.
This short, free guide explores how schools can move from "what's the point" to kids getting properly stuck in - day in, day out - by design
📘 Implementing botheredness (12-min read)
Link in comments below
Much less time talking about investment.
This short, free guide explores how schools can move from "what's the point" to kids getting properly stuck in - day in, day out - by design
📘 Implementing botheredness (12-min read)
Link in comments below
February 7, 2026 at 3:26 PM
We spend a lot of time talking about engagement.
Much less time talking about investment.
This short, free guide explores how schools can move from "what's the point" to kids getting properly stuck in - day in, day out - by design
📘 Implementing botheredness (12-min read)
Link in comments below
Much less time talking about investment.
This short, free guide explores how schools can move from "what's the point" to kids getting properly stuck in - day in, day out - by design
📘 Implementing botheredness (12-min read)
Link in comments below
Very much looking forward to reading this and discussing it with colleagues.
I declare this book finished.
It's been intense. So much editing. This is the most important work I've written.
As far as I'm aware, the first book for general teachers that's deeply rooted in *enactive* cognitive science.
Teaching Meaning: What Works When Telling Isn't Enough
Out soon!
It's been intense. So much editing. This is the most important work I've written.
As far as I'm aware, the first book for general teachers that's deeply rooted in *enactive* cognitive science.
Teaching Meaning: What Works When Telling Isn't Enough
Out soon!
February 9, 2026 at 6:42 PM
Very much looking forward to reading this and discussing it with colleagues.
Fascinating report on the impact of the Science of Reading - findings in a US context reveal the need to move beyond surface level understanding of texts to focus on developing robust comprehension.
Jan 2026 Report - In Some Urban Districts, Science of Reading Limits ‘Robust Comprehension’: Rather than promoting deeper literacy skills, the phonics-based approach 'may unintentionally encourage teachers to focus on surface-level goals.'
February 9, 2026 at 6:36 PM
Fascinating report on the impact of the Science of Reading - findings in a US context reveal the need to move beyond surface level understanding of texts to focus on developing robust comprehension.
Reposted
This is why we slowed down our phonics learning and built in a school wide reading for pleasure programme (thank you @teresacremin.bsky.social and team). CLPE has helped us to shift away from atomised grammar and we have 'every place is a reading place' nooks and crannies all over. Our kids ❤️ books.
From the full report:
"Despite the regular comprehension HQIM use and focus...in 67% of the lessons, teachers and students engaged in work (i.e., instruction, engagement, and activity) that only facilitated students’ surface-level understanding of texts."
www.sri.com/wp-content/u...
"Despite the regular comprehension HQIM use and focus...in 67% of the lessons, teachers and students engaged in work (i.e., instruction, engagement, and activity) that only facilitated students’ surface-level understanding of texts."
www.sri.com/wp-content/u...
February 9, 2026 at 5:10 PM
This is why we slowed down our phonics learning and built in a school wide reading for pleasure programme (thank you @teresacremin.bsky.social and team). CLPE has helped us to shift away from atomised grammar and we have 'every place is a reading place' nooks and crannies all over. Our kids ❤️ books.
Reposted
Absolutely. Lots of very popular poets online. And lots of access to a very wide range of poetry online if books are too expensive e.g. why not let students browse The Poetry Archive, The Poetry Foundation, Poetry by Heart, The Poetry Station (EMC), with a theme in mind, or a kind of poetry?
February 8, 2026 at 9:35 AM
Absolutely. Lots of very popular poets online. And lots of access to a very wide range of poetry online if books are too expensive e.g. why not let students browse The Poetry Archive, The Poetry Foundation, Poetry by Heart, The Poetry Station (EMC), with a theme in mind, or a kind of poetry?
Reading in Geography.
This tantalising book display caught my eye in our library.
Y7 Geographers are doing some research in the library
& also browsing/borrowing these books.
Super collab between our Geog HOD and librarian to encourage diff types of reading & make it enjoyable.
This tantalising book display caught my eye in our library.
Y7 Geographers are doing some research in the library
& also browsing/borrowing these books.
Super collab between our Geog HOD and librarian to encourage diff types of reading & make it enjoyable.
February 7, 2026 at 8:41 AM
Reading in Geography.
This tantalising book display caught my eye in our library.
Y7 Geographers are doing some research in the library
& also browsing/borrowing these books.
Super collab between our Geog HOD and librarian to encourage diff types of reading & make it enjoyable.
This tantalising book display caught my eye in our library.
Y7 Geographers are doing some research in the library
& also browsing/borrowing these books.
Super collab between our Geog HOD and librarian to encourage diff types of reading & make it enjoyable.
Reposted
It’s absolutely disgraceful.
For all the talk of levelling up, closing gaps, etc etc, all we have is the repeated cycle of the rich getting richer….
And the children are stuck in the middle.
For all the talk of levelling up, closing gaps, etc etc, all we have is the repeated cycle of the rich getting richer….
And the children are stuck in the middle.
February 6, 2026 at 6:48 PM
It’s absolutely disgraceful.
For all the talk of levelling up, closing gaps, etc etc, all we have is the repeated cycle of the rich getting richer….
And the children are stuck in the middle.
For all the talk of levelling up, closing gaps, etc etc, all we have is the repeated cycle of the rich getting richer….
And the children are stuck in the middle.
Reposted
Sir Ian McKellen performing a monologue from Shakespeare’s Sir Thomas More on the Stephen Colbert show. Never have I heard this monologue performed with such a keen sense of prescience. Nor have I ever been in this exact historical moment.TY Sir Ian, for reaching us once again.
#Pinks #ProudBlue
#Pinks #ProudBlue
February 5, 2026 at 11:50 AM
Sir Ian McKellen performing a monologue from Shakespeare’s Sir Thomas More on the Stephen Colbert show. Never have I heard this monologue performed with such a keen sense of prescience. Nor have I ever been in this exact historical moment.TY Sir Ian, for reaching us once again.
#Pinks #ProudBlue
#Pinks #ProudBlue
Reposted
This just creates a further divide across the sector- more haves and more have-nots
bsky.app/profile/char...
bsky.app/profile/char...
"It’s great for us, and not necessarily equitable for the sector as a whole."
@jabedahmed.bsky.social reveals the investment returns of the 20 biggest MATs in 2024-25.
www.tes.com/magazine/news/general/how-much-money-do-mats-make-from-investments
@jabedahmed.bsky.social reveals the investment returns of the 20 biggest MATs in 2024-25.
www.tes.com/magazine/news/general/how-much-money-do-mats-make-from-investments
Revealed: How much the biggest MATs make from investments
The largest multi-academy trusts are generating millions by investing surplus cash, but sector leader warns this must not replace core funding
www.tes.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:27 PM
This just creates a further divide across the sector- more haves and more have-nots
bsky.app/profile/char...
bsky.app/profile/char...
Reposted
Macbeth off the page: Bringing performance techniques to your lessons (10 February 2026, 16:45 – 17:30)
Transform the curriculum into action with actor-led techniques to boost student engagement and simplify Shakespeare’s complex themes. Follow link below /sign up! 😊⬇️⬇️
Transform the curriculum into action with actor-led techniques to boost student engagement and simplify Shakespeare’s complex themes. Follow link below /sign up! 😊⬇️⬇️
Sign up! Free! Online! englishassociation.ac.uk/macbeth-off-...
englishassociation.ac.uk
February 3, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Macbeth off the page: Bringing performance techniques to your lessons (10 February 2026, 16:45 – 17:30)
Transform the curriculum into action with actor-led techniques to boost student engagement and simplify Shakespeare’s complex themes. Follow link below /sign up! 😊⬇️⬇️
Transform the curriculum into action with actor-led techniques to boost student engagement and simplify Shakespeare’s complex themes. Follow link below /sign up! 😊⬇️⬇️
Reposted
I had a go at a linguistic take on some of the reporting around recent events in the USA, and the wider problems of the media reporting on the police, in this piece published today: bylinetimes.com/2026/01/29/w...
Weaponizing Words: How the Trump Administration Used Language to Distort the Truth in Minnesota
Government and media organisations used the power of words to shift moral responsibility for the ICE killings, argues linguist Dan Clayton
bylinetimes.com
January 29, 2026 at 10:56 AM
I had a go at a linguistic take on some of the reporting around recent events in the USA, and the wider problems of the media reporting on the police, in this piece published today: bylinetimes.com/2026/01/29/w...
Reposted
A lack of diversity, primary specialists (esp KS1 and EYs), SEND and a lack of experience working in the north of England.
This was the chance for fresh eyes. But, instead we have the same people who have worked on all of this before.
A missed opportunity.
bsky.app/profile/scho...
This was the chance for fresh eyes. But, instead we have the same people who have worked on all of this before.
A missed opportunity.
bsky.app/profile/scho...
The DfE has chosen 46 'curriculum drafters' following a public tender – but it has prompted questions about diversity and the way experts are unevenly split across 13 subject areas
Concerns over make-up of curriculum drafters group
Leaders criticise 'lack of diversity and representation' among experts helping to write new curriculum
schoolsweek.co.uk
January 27, 2026 at 4:31 PM
A lack of diversity, primary specialists (esp KS1 and EYs), SEND and a lack of experience working in the north of England.
This was the chance for fresh eyes. But, instead we have the same people who have worked on all of this before.
A missed opportunity.
bsky.app/profile/scho...
This was the chance for fresh eyes. But, instead we have the same people who have worked on all of this before.
A missed opportunity.
bsky.app/profile/scho...
Reposted
Every year, on National Holocaust Day, I remember my family who disappeared in the Shoah & share a few photographs. Here are my great-grandmother, Sarah, my great-aunt, Karola, and Judith, her daughter. I think too of those who have died & are dying in wars & genocides today.
January 27, 2026 at 7:12 PM
Every year, on National Holocaust Day, I remember my family who disappeared in the Shoah & share a few photographs. Here are my great-grandmother, Sarah, my great-aunt, Karola, and Judith, her daughter. I think too of those who have died & are dying in wars & genocides today.
Genuine question - what's the next step for the curriculum rewrite?
Is it left to two white men to redraft the entire English curric? Or is there an intermediate stage involving all the brilliant, diverse people who work in English education?
Is it left to two white men to redraft the entire English curric? Or is there an intermediate stage involving all the brilliant, diverse people who work in English education?
i am pleased to add my voice to this article which calls out the disappointing but not at all surprising lack of diversity in the people who are designing the new national curriculum content.
Sector leaders have criticised the 'limited breadth and diversity' of experts recruited to help write the new national curriculum
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/concerns-over-make-up-of-curriculum-drafters-group/
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/concerns-over-make-up-of-curriculum-drafters-group/
January 27, 2026 at 7:31 PM
Genuine question - what's the next step for the curriculum rewrite?
Is it left to two white men to redraft the entire English curric? Or is there an intermediate stage involving all the brilliant, diverse people who work in English education?
Is it left to two white men to redraft the entire English curric? Or is there an intermediate stage involving all the brilliant, diverse people who work in English education?
Reposted
I dislike the term: "check *for* understanding".
It's as if there is an understanding "out there", and students must "store" it. Teachers check if they have "stored" it correctly.
"Check understanding" is better. Students are meaning makers. We must check the meanings they've made.
#UKEd #EduSky
It's as if there is an understanding "out there", and students must "store" it. Teachers check if they have "stored" it correctly.
"Check understanding" is better. Students are meaning makers. We must check the meanings they've made.
#UKEd #EduSky
December 8, 2025 at 1:05 PM
The lack of diversity is unacceptable.
It's the first thing that jumped out at me when I saw the list of drafters.
How out of touch are the DFE?
It's the first thing that jumped out at me when I saw the list of drafters.
How out of touch are the DFE?
i am pleased to add my voice to this article which calls out the disappointing but not at all surprising lack of diversity in the people who are designing the new national curriculum content.
Sector leaders have criticised the 'limited breadth and diversity' of experts recruited to help write the new national curriculum
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/concerns-over-make-up-of-curriculum-drafters-group/
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/concerns-over-make-up-of-curriculum-drafters-group/
January 27, 2026 at 7:22 PM
The lack of diversity is unacceptable.
It's the first thing that jumped out at me when I saw the list of drafters.
How out of touch are the DFE?
It's the first thing that jumped out at me when I saw the list of drafters.
How out of touch are the DFE?
Good to see a thoughtful TL eduthread.
Based on my experience, I'd agree that the longer you teach the same AL course, the more able you are to predict & therefore preempt common errors/misconceptions. And then more unique issues arise for each student which are better dealt with one-one.
Based on my experience, I'd agree that the longer you teach the same AL course, the more able you are to predict & therefore preempt common errors/misconceptions. And then more unique issues arise for each student which are better dealt with one-one.
Are people doing 'eduthreads' any more? Thought I'd give one a go. Some thoughts on the 'revolution' of whole-class feedback (and a cautionary tale).
#EduSky
#EduSky
January 26, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Good to see a thoughtful TL eduthread.
Based on my experience, I'd agree that the longer you teach the same AL course, the more able you are to predict & therefore preempt common errors/misconceptions. And then more unique issues arise for each student which are better dealt with one-one.
Based on my experience, I'd agree that the longer you teach the same AL course, the more able you are to predict & therefore preempt common errors/misconceptions. And then more unique issues arise for each student which are better dealt with one-one.
Reposted
This ⬇️⬇️📚📘📕📖📙📗
January 26, 2026 at 4:58 PM
This ⬇️⬇️📚📘📕📖📙📗
Reposted
You are right. There is very little robust evidence that many of these online programmes work (except Abra)
I have seen a couple that I strongly suspect will have a negative impact on students reading ability, their confidence as readers and their general sense of efficacy as learners.
I have seen a couple that I strongly suspect will have a negative impact on students reading ability, their confidence as readers and their general sense of efficacy as learners.
January 26, 2026 at 9:48 AM
You are right. There is very little robust evidence that many of these online programmes work (except Abra)
I have seen a couple that I strongly suspect will have a negative impact on students reading ability, their confidence as readers and their general sense of efficacy as learners.
I have seen a couple that I strongly suspect will have a negative impact on students reading ability, their confidence as readers and their general sense of efficacy as learners.
Reposted
I wonder if anyone else has had an issue with flags appearing outside their school? On Tues, Armistice Day, we arrived to find flags on all the lamp posts directly outside our school. A generous take is that they were put there for Armistice but the HT v quickly emailed the sch community to ...
November 16, 2025 at 11:02 AM
I wonder if anyone else has had an issue with flags appearing outside their school? On Tues, Armistice Day, we arrived to find flags on all the lamp posts directly outside our school. A generous take is that they were put there for Armistice but the HT v quickly emailed the sch community to ...
Reposted
Our cognitive drive is to act with ideas, interact with others, interact with the world.
Adapting; being part of something, shaping it.
Our cognitive drive is to co-regulate, not be regulated.
To converse.
The brain isn't a thinker, it's an actor.
Adapting; being part of something, shaping it.
Our cognitive drive is to co-regulate, not be regulated.
To converse.
The brain isn't a thinker, it's an actor.
January 25, 2026 at 7:53 AM
Our cognitive drive is to act with ideas, interact with others, interact with the world.
Adapting; being part of something, shaping it.
Our cognitive drive is to co-regulate, not be regulated.
To converse.
The brain isn't a thinker, it's an actor.
Adapting; being part of something, shaping it.
Our cognitive drive is to co-regulate, not be regulated.
To converse.
The brain isn't a thinker, it's an actor.
I don't think booklets enable responsive teaching and learning.
I never teach the same lesson twice in exactly the same way because all classes respond differently, which is one joy of (English) teaching. There are many other issues too, such as teacher agency.
I never teach the same lesson twice in exactly the same way because all classes respond differently, which is one joy of (English) teaching. There are many other issues too, such as teacher agency.
I tried booklets once.
I wanted to see what it was about and how it compared to other methods. I spent *hours* making one, images, examples, great text and questions. Fellow teachers loved it.
It failed so badly in the classroom.
The booklet took over.
It inhibited conversing and co-enacting ideas.
I wanted to see what it was about and how it compared to other methods. I spent *hours* making one, images, examples, great text and questions. Fellow teachers loved it.
It failed so badly in the classroom.
The booklet took over.
It inhibited conversing and co-enacting ideas.
January 25, 2026 at 8:38 AM
I don't think booklets enable responsive teaching and learning.
I never teach the same lesson twice in exactly the same way because all classes respond differently, which is one joy of (English) teaching. There are many other issues too, such as teacher agency.
I never teach the same lesson twice in exactly the same way because all classes respond differently, which is one joy of (English) teaching. There are many other issues too, such as teacher agency.
Yes!
And a school might even be tempted to include a bit of language study in their English curriculum before that (possibly) happens.
And a school might even be tempted to include a bit of language study in their English curriculum before that (possibly) happens.
This is the sort of thing that a new KS3&4 English Language curriculum could make use of if a bit of imagination was at play. Let's see, eh...
January 23, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Yes!
And a school might even be tempted to include a bit of language study in their English curriculum before that (possibly) happens.
And a school might even be tempted to include a bit of language study in their English curriculum before that (possibly) happens.
Reposted
A nice, straightforward explainer from BBC Bitesize about new words and how word use is monitored and evaluated for inclusion in dictionaries.
Five new words for 2026 - BBC Bitesize share.google/gLGi6BuVxsRK...
Five new words for 2026 - BBC Bitesize share.google/gLGi6BuVxsRK...
Five new words for 2026 - BBC Bitesize
BBC Bitesize looks at five new words for the new year.
share.google
January 22, 2026 at 6:19 AM
A nice, straightforward explainer from BBC Bitesize about new words and how word use is monitored and evaluated for inclusion in dictionaries.
Five new words for 2026 - BBC Bitesize share.google/gLGi6BuVxsRK...
Five new words for 2026 - BBC Bitesize share.google/gLGi6BuVxsRK...