DamsonEd
@damsoned.bsky.social
Dr Megan Dixon: teacher, leader and researcher. PhD, Psychology. All things education and research - literacy, English, research into practice, curriculum, SEND. TES writer. Based in the UK. https://meganjanedixon.co.uk
Pinned
DamsonEd
@damsoned.bsky.social
· May 8
What schools are doing to tackle the speech and language ‘crisis’
The number of children with speech and language challenges is soaring. And not all of these pupils have SEND. Experts tell Ellen Peirson-Hagger how in-school intervention is possible - and highly effe...
www.tes.com
On the back of this article- a thread of useful places for schools/teachers who are interested in finding out more… as I say, this has been a serious issue for a long time… it would be powerful to get a serious handle on it (with obvious impact on ed outcomes).
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
Reposted by DamsonEd
Behaviores Report: 90% goode 10% trespaced on hellocobber shelve twisce
November 11, 2025 at 6:01 AM
Behaviores Report: 90% goode 10% trespaced on hellocobber shelve twisce
Reposted by DamsonEd
Great 🧵🧵🧵🧵 #CAR ⬇️
Just taking a moment to read and reflect on the CAR.
There are many general statements that are welcome such as the recognition that sequences of learning differ between subjects, the nat curriculum is a tool, teachers are the curriculum makers etc.
A few thoughts on the English/literacy bits.
There are many general statements that are welcome such as the recognition that sequences of learning differ between subjects, the nat curriculum is a tool, teachers are the curriculum makers etc.
A few thoughts on the English/literacy bits.
November 10, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Great 🧵🧵🧵🧵 #CAR ⬇️
Reposted by DamsonEd
On manoeuvres
(Photo @imageplotter.bsky.social)
(Photo @imageplotter.bsky.social)
November 10, 2025 at 12:19 PM
On manoeuvres
(Photo @imageplotter.bsky.social)
(Photo @imageplotter.bsky.social)
Reposted by DamsonEd
It’s the first day of (volunteer) Ofsted inspections today, but leaders have been told about changes to how the watchdog uses performance data just days before.
@ascl-uk.bsky.social say it’s reason enough for volunteer schools to pull out entirely.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
@ascl-uk.bsky.social say it’s reason enough for volunteer schools to pull out entirely.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
‘Major concerns’ over Ofsted data changes
Schools that volunteered to be first for new inspections should be allowed to withdraw because of changes announced by Ofsted just days before the new system begins, say heads’ leaders
www.tes.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:58 AM
It’s the first day of (volunteer) Ofsted inspections today, but leaders have been told about changes to how the watchdog uses performance data just days before.
@ascl-uk.bsky.social say it’s reason enough for volunteer schools to pull out entirely.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
@ascl-uk.bsky.social say it’s reason enough for volunteer schools to pull out entirely.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
From @jonsevers.bsky.social this morning…
“Several headteachers have recently told me about them being sent into schools on the brink of anarchy, where violence is an everyday occurrence. It’s hard to understand how”
I find this astonishing. As Jon says in these days of such high accountablity
“Several headteachers have recently told me about them being sent into schools on the brink of anarchy, where violence is an everyday occurrence. It’s hard to understand how”
I find this astonishing. As Jon says in these days of such high accountablity
November 10, 2025 at 9:08 AM
From @jonsevers.bsky.social this morning…
“Several headteachers have recently told me about them being sent into schools on the brink of anarchy, where violence is an everyday occurrence. It’s hard to understand how”
I find this astonishing. As Jon says in these days of such high accountablity
“Several headteachers have recently told me about them being sent into schools on the brink of anarchy, where violence is an everyday occurrence. It’s hard to understand how”
I find this astonishing. As Jon says in these days of such high accountablity
Reposted by DamsonEd
Finally someone is saying that more impacts youth wellbeing than phones
I always say that young people will rebel very soon when they discover the phone bans and age verification didn’t stop their data being taken
I always say that young people will rebel very soon when they discover the phone bans and age verification didn’t stop their data being taken
November 9, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Finally someone is saying that more impacts youth wellbeing than phones
I always say that young people will rebel very soon when they discover the phone bans and age verification didn’t stop their data being taken
I always say that young people will rebel very soon when they discover the phone bans and age verification didn’t stop their data being taken
Reposted by DamsonEd
We will remember them
Not just today, but in every quiet moment.
In stories passed down, in poppies worn with pride
In the silence that speaks louder than words
Their courage shaped our peace.
Their sacrifice lives on
Today & Forever
Not just today, but in every quiet moment.
In stories passed down, in poppies worn with pride
In the silence that speaks louder than words
Their courage shaped our peace.
Their sacrifice lives on
Today & Forever
November 9, 2025 at 8:36 AM
We will remember them
Not just today, but in every quiet moment.
In stories passed down, in poppies worn with pride
In the silence that speaks louder than words
Their courage shaped our peace.
Their sacrifice lives on
Today & Forever
Not just today, but in every quiet moment.
In stories passed down, in poppies worn with pride
In the silence that speaks louder than words
Their courage shaped our peace.
Their sacrifice lives on
Today & Forever
Yesterday, I was trying to find positives in the CAR for English Lang but I also feel disappointed it chose not to make recs which would align the subject more closely with some core disciplinary concepts. For eg, it's not clear if it will enable students to study sociolinguistic issues around ...
KS4 English Lang - well, in some ways the recs are a vast improvement.
Reading & writing a range of more relevant text-types.
This could be v good if it entails teaching 'big ideas' eg audience, purpose, spoken & written lang variation according to socially-situated contexts, critical literacy.
Reading & writing a range of more relevant text-types.
This could be v good if it entails teaching 'big ideas' eg audience, purpose, spoken & written lang variation according to socially-situated contexts, critical literacy.
November 9, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Just taking a moment to read and reflect on the CAR.
There are many general statements that are welcome such as the recognition that sequences of learning differ between subjects, the nat curriculum is a tool, teachers are the curriculum makers etc.
A few thoughts on the English/literacy bits.
There are many general statements that are welcome such as the recognition that sequences of learning differ between subjects, the nat curriculum is a tool, teachers are the curriculum makers etc.
A few thoughts on the English/literacy bits.
November 9, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Reposted by DamsonEd
He's so smug about it
November 9, 2025 at 10:24 AM
He's so smug about it
Reposted by DamsonEd
The face of a cat who conned his staff into providing two breakfasts of Iams chicken in jelly in quick succession this morning.
November 9, 2025 at 10:19 AM
The face of a cat who conned his staff into providing two breakfasts of Iams chicken in jelly in quick succession this morning.
Reposted by DamsonEd
There are roughly 10,000 children’s books published in the UK each year, so if you’ve been nominated for the @CarnegieMedals, be very proud and dance like nobody’s watching. 🥳
The 2026 Carnegies nominations are live! 🎉 Join us in celebrating the exceptional storytelling and illustration recognised this year. 🏆 Get ready for an inspiring awards season! Congrats to all nominees! 📖❤️
https://carnegies.co.uk/nominations-announced-2026
#Carnegies2026
https://carnegies.co.uk/nominations-announced-2026
#Carnegies2026
November 3, 2025 at 10:47 AM
There are roughly 10,000 children’s books published in the UK each year, so if you’ve been nominated for the @CarnegieMedals, be very proud and dance like nobody’s watching. 🥳
Reposted by DamsonEd
James Watson made some tremendous contributions to science, and expressed many grotesque views, which were racist, sexist and ignorant. These are all well documented.
November 8, 2025 at 3:24 PM
James Watson made some tremendous contributions to science, and expressed many grotesque views, which were racist, sexist and ignorant. These are all well documented.
Increasingly fierce accountability regimes often produce more paperwork justifying decisions.
More paperwork often requires more people to manage it.
bsky.app/profile/scho...
More paperwork often requires more people to manage it.
bsky.app/profile/scho...
ICYMI: Ministers have suggested rising numbers of assistant heads could be the place to target cost-cutting as schools are forced to make savings to fund future teacher pay rises. So what’s behind the rise, and is a cut do-able?
schoolsweek.co.uk
November 8, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Increasingly fierce accountability regimes often produce more paperwork justifying decisions.
More paperwork often requires more people to manage it.
bsky.app/profile/scho...
More paperwork often requires more people to manage it.
bsky.app/profile/scho...
Reposted by DamsonEd
ICYMI: Ministers have suggested rising numbers of assistant heads could be the place to target cost-cutting as schools are forced to make savings to fund future teacher pay rises. So what’s behind the rise, and is a cut do-able?
schoolsweek.co.uk
November 8, 2025 at 12:00 PM
ICYMI: Ministers have suggested rising numbers of assistant heads could be the place to target cost-cutting as schools are forced to make savings to fund future teacher pay rises. So what’s behind the rise, and is a cut do-able?
Reposted by DamsonEd
This would be great. My school did an online with Darrell years ago and loved it.
After last year's success, I'm doing more online Christmas workshops this year. So, if you want to do some festive making with your class, get in touch.
You choose what we make, I'll show you the skills, then off you go!
One-hour sessions am/pm
15th - 19th December 🙂
www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky
You choose what we make, I'll show you the skills, then off you go!
One-hour sessions am/pm
15th - 19th December 🙂
www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky
November 8, 2025 at 9:40 AM
This would be great. My school did an online with Darrell years ago and loved it.
Reposted by DamsonEd
I figured something out. The large body of self-help work around gratitude is not without harms. It largely ignores the historical use of gratitude as a tool to silence, subjugate & chain self-actualisation in minorities & immigrants where feeling grateful is an expectation for peaceful existence.
November 8, 2025 at 9:05 AM
I figured something out. The large body of self-help work around gratitude is not without harms. It largely ignores the historical use of gratitude as a tool to silence, subjugate & chain self-actualisation in minorities & immigrants where feeling grateful is an expectation for peaceful existence.
Reposted by DamsonEd
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Caroline Lucas, former leader of the Green Party and MP for Brighton Pavilion, as the University's first Professor of Practice in Environmental Sustainability at the Sussex School for Progressive Futures (SSPF).
Caroline Lucas appointed as new Professor of Practice at the University of Sussex
Caroline Lucas has been appointed by the University of Sussex as its first Professor of Practice in Environmental Sustainability.
www.sussex.ac.uk
November 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Caroline Lucas, former leader of the Green Party and MP for Brighton Pavilion, as the University's first Professor of Practice in Environmental Sustainability at the Sussex School for Progressive Futures (SSPF).
Reposted by DamsonEd
Lovely. 👏👏👏
November 7, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Lovely. 👏👏👏
Reposted by DamsonEd
Excl: Diversity and anti-racism should be embedded into teacher training, according to an open letter from ITT providers.
There should be an "explicit focus” on addressing inequalities within ITT programmes, including in trainees’ reflective tasks.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
There should be an "explicit focus” on addressing inequalities within ITT programmes, including in trainees’ reflective tasks.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Embed diversity and antiracism into teacher training, DfE told
Teacher training providers also call on government to set up a national body for early career and trainee teachers
www.tes.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Excl: Diversity and anti-racism should be embedded into teacher training, according to an open letter from ITT providers.
There should be an "explicit focus” on addressing inequalities within ITT programmes, including in trainees’ reflective tasks.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
There should be an "explicit focus” on addressing inequalities within ITT programmes, including in trainees’ reflective tasks.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Reposted by DamsonEd
ICYMI: Government has accepted the Francis review recommendation to introduce RE to the national curriculum - but has said the sector must 'reach consensus on whether this is achievable'
schoolsweek.co.uk
November 7, 2025 at 10:01 AM
ICYMI: Government has accepted the Francis review recommendation to introduce RE to the national curriculum - but has said the sector must 'reach consensus on whether this is achievable'
Reposted by DamsonEd
Although OECD data was referenced multiple times, neither the widely-known stat from the OECD’s PISA data that UK 15-year-olds reported among the lowest life satisfaction among tested nations, nor TIMSS’ findings re high numbers of English 14-year-olds disliking school, featured.
November 7, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Although OECD data was referenced multiple times, neither the widely-known stat from the OECD’s PISA data that UK 15-year-olds reported among the lowest life satisfaction among tested nations, nor TIMSS’ findings re high numbers of English 14-year-olds disliking school, featured.
Reposted by DamsonEd
Children are waiting far too long for speech and language therapy – this simply has to change. 40% of children are waiting at least 4 months for support!
We've got some work to share soon about what this means for the economy and these children's lives: https://bit.ly/4hSNmzC
We've got some work to share soon about what this means for the economy and these children's lives: https://bit.ly/4hSNmzC
Children ‘second-rate citizens’ in NHS, says top paediatrician
Professor Steve Turner of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health warns over doing nothing as a report finds critical windows of care are being missed
www.thetimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Children are waiting far too long for speech and language therapy – this simply has to change. 40% of children are waiting at least 4 months for support!
We've got some work to share soon about what this means for the economy and these children's lives: https://bit.ly/4hSNmzC
We've got some work to share soon about what this means for the economy and these children's lives: https://bit.ly/4hSNmzC
Reposted by DamsonEd
Horrific, stupid news from @uniofnottingham.bsky.social — they are closing their music department. Apparently they all found out suddently in a meeting yesterday.
It is one of the best music departments in the country — solidarity with my colleagues and their students
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It is one of the best music departments in the country — solidarity with my colleagues and their students
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Music and modern languages courses suspended at University of Nottingham
In a statement the institution also says it is
www.bbc.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Horrific, stupid news from @uniofnottingham.bsky.social — they are closing their music department. Apparently they all found out suddently in a meeting yesterday.
It is one of the best music departments in the country — solidarity with my colleagues and their students
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It is one of the best music departments in the country — solidarity with my colleagues and their students
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...