Kirstie Murray
@kirstiemurray.bsky.social
History teacher. Here for history chat.
Trust lead for History. PGCE mentor, ECT mentor, interested in T&L.
Trust lead for History. PGCE mentor, ECT mentor, interested in T&L.
As an A Level French Rev teacher, I’ve enjoyed this a huge amount so far!
@davidandress.bsky.social is the academic expert in the chair this evening talking about the French Revolution, the people, the events and the legacy. Its not too late to join the course.
www.history.org.uk/historian/ca...
www.history.org.uk/historian/ca...
The 1789 French Revolution – not just a revolution in France
www.history.org.uk
November 4, 2025 at 6:15 PM
As an A Level French Rev teacher, I’ve enjoyed this a huge amount so far!
I led some cross trust training for the first time today.
Delightful to share what ‘excellence’ means for us in @camacademytrust.bsky.social. Presentations from colleagues and from @uclholocaust.bsky.social shaped discussions
Our children are lucky to have invested, motivated and curious teachers
Delightful to share what ‘excellence’ means for us in @camacademytrust.bsky.social. Presentations from colleagues and from @uclholocaust.bsky.social shaped discussions
Our children are lucky to have invested, motivated and curious teachers
October 24, 2025 at 6:41 PM
I led some cross trust training for the first time today.
Delightful to share what ‘excellence’ means for us in @camacademytrust.bsky.social. Presentations from colleagues and from @uclholocaust.bsky.social shaped discussions
Our children are lucky to have invested, motivated and curious teachers
Delightful to share what ‘excellence’ means for us in @camacademytrust.bsky.social. Presentations from colleagues and from @uclholocaust.bsky.social shaped discussions
Our children are lucky to have invested, motivated and curious teachers
Calling AQA #historyteachers.
For the HE in depth study, how much are we to rely on the resource pack?
Comparing packs for Pevensey from a few years ago and now they are v different. Do we lean in to that?
And should we hold off planning BoH historic environment lessons until the pack is out?
For the HE in depth study, how much are we to rely on the resource pack?
Comparing packs for Pevensey from a few years ago and now they are v different. Do we lean in to that?
And should we hold off planning BoH historic environment lessons until the pack is out?
September 25, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Calling AQA #historyteachers.
For the HE in depth study, how much are we to rely on the resource pack?
Comparing packs for Pevensey from a few years ago and now they are v different. Do we lean in to that?
And should we hold off planning BoH historic environment lessons until the pack is out?
For the HE in depth study, how much are we to rely on the resource pack?
Comparing packs for Pevensey from a few years ago and now they are v different. Do we lean in to that?
And should we hold off planning BoH historic environment lessons until the pack is out?
A standard early-in-term correction. How many times more will I wade through economical causes of revolution in this batch of marking I wonder.
September 22, 2025 at 7:23 PM
A standard early-in-term correction. How many times more will I wade through economical causes of revolution in this batch of marking I wonder.
This part of the school year contains so much I enjoy teaching - Pompeii, Charles I, Franz Ferdinand’s assassination, Korean War. Harold Godwinson’s crazy 1066. The calling of the estates general.
We really give the kids here the *best* bits. It’s a delight to teach!
We really give the kids here the *best* bits. It’s a delight to teach!
September 15, 2025 at 6:22 PM
This part of the school year contains so much I enjoy teaching - Pompeii, Charles I, Franz Ferdinand’s assassination, Korean War. Harold Godwinson’s crazy 1066. The calling of the estates general.
We really give the kids here the *best* bits. It’s a delight to teach!
We really give the kids here the *best* bits. It’s a delight to teach!
Lots of this rings true. As a PGCE mentor I’d like ITTs to know that the department/ mentors don’t receive payment and the time for mentoring isn’t enough so it spills into our own free time.
So being helpful and considerate member of a department matters a great deal to keep goodwill flowing
So being helpful and considerate member of a department matters a great deal to keep goodwill flowing
What do we need #ITT #preservice beginning #teachers to understand about professionalism?
uonhistoryteachertraining.school.blog/2024/09/18/w...
#TeacherMentoring #TeacherEducation
uonhistoryteachertraining.school.blog/2024/09/18/w...
#TeacherMentoring #TeacherEducation
What New Teachers Should Know About Professionalism: It’s about more than your shoes.
Photo by Lukas on Pexels.com Most beginning teachers are very concerned about what they should wear on their first day at their school placement. Do they need a tie? Are these shoes (imagine a comf…
uonhistoryteachertraining.school.blog
September 10, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Lots of this rings true. As a PGCE mentor I’d like ITTs to know that the department/ mentors don’t receive payment and the time for mentoring isn’t enough so it spills into our own free time.
So being helpful and considerate member of a department matters a great deal to keep goodwill flowing
So being helpful and considerate member of a department matters a great deal to keep goodwill flowing
Amazing thread.
#KingAndConqueror. Not a promising start when the moustache is on the wrong man. Now that's a very easy thing to get right.
'Feudal France?' oh dear.
We are undefined years earlier now.
'Feudal France?' oh dear.
We are undefined years earlier now.
August 25, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Amazing thread.
Second day off timetable treating KS3 to some history treasures. Billy Joel and historical significance, Trafalgar v Waterloo, Horrible Histories games and a wonderful visit from @cromwellmuseum.bsky.social considering the local history of witch trails.
July 16, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Second day off timetable treating KS3 to some history treasures. Billy Joel and historical significance, Trafalgar v Waterloo, Horrible Histories games and a wonderful visit from @cromwellmuseum.bsky.social considering the local history of witch trails.
As part of our enrichment offer for all pupils, I took a group of keen KS3 historians to Cambridge today and had a smashing time in the sun. Visits to the Mueum of Classical Archeology, Fitzwilliam Museum and a lovely time at my old college @corpuscambridge.bsky.social
July 15, 2025 at 4:45 PM
As part of our enrichment offer for all pupils, I took a group of keen KS3 historians to Cambridge today and had a smashing time in the sun. Visits to the Mueum of Classical Archeology, Fitzwilliam Museum and a lovely time at my old college @corpuscambridge.bsky.social
Squeezing in a treat. Cafe and senior staff-student book club book.
I have such precious memories of being a 6th former and talking books with teachers. Looking forward to replicating with our students in a few weeks.
I have such precious memories of being a 6th former and talking books with teachers. Looking forward to replicating with our students in a few weeks.
June 21, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Squeezing in a treat. Cafe and senior staff-student book club book.
I have such precious memories of being a 6th former and talking books with teachers. Looking forward to replicating with our students in a few weeks.
I have such precious memories of being a 6th former and talking books with teachers. Looking forward to replicating with our students in a few weeks.
If I wanted to read/ watch/ listen to something on pastoral leadership at KS5 specifically, any ideas?
#edusky #teaching #sixthform
#edusky #teaching #sixthform
June 13, 2025 at 7:43 PM
If I wanted to read/ watch/ listen to something on pastoral leadership at KS5 specifically, any ideas?
#edusky #teaching #sixthform
#edusky #teaching #sixthform
Predictions yes. But also pupils viewing ‘how to do questions’ videos where they’d be better revising content, revising using generic sites like Seneca which don’t cover our exact syllabus but sound plausible, study skills YouTubers… surprised this year how much kids want to rely on online not me
TikTokTipsters profiteering on the high stakes gambling nature of GCSE exams is where we are now in 2025.
Read my comments in The Observer.
Read my comments in The Observer.
May 29, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Predictions yes. But also pupils viewing ‘how to do questions’ videos where they’d be better revising content, revising using generic sites like Seneca which don’t cover our exact syllabus but sound plausible, study skills YouTubers… surprised this year how much kids want to rely on online not me
History teacher nightmare spotted on an English teacher’s board.
May 15, 2025 at 4:13 PM
History teacher nightmare spotted on an English teacher’s board.
Time well spent. Goodbye and good luck postcards for Y11.
May 12, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Time well spent. Goodbye and good luck postcards for Y11.
Come work in my school!
Cambourne Village College (Outstanding, expanding 6th form, lovely colleagues, excellent work-life balance, nice kids!) is looking for a new RPE teacher
#teaching #edujobs
Do circulate if you can.
Cambourne Village College (Outstanding, expanding 6th form, lovely colleagues, excellent work-life balance, nice kids!) is looking for a new RPE teacher
#teaching #edujobs
Do circulate if you can.
Due to a member of our team going on to greater things, we have an opportunity open in Cambridgeshire with a TLR (Key Stage responsibility) for the right candidate - mynewterm.com/jobs/139408/... #TeamRE
Opportunities to teach across the Key Stages - any questions drop me a message
Opportunities to teach across the Key Stages - any questions drop me a message
Teacher of RPE - Cambourne Village College, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Closing date: Midday, Thu 15th May, 2025. View full details and apply online at MyNewTerm.
mynewterm.com
May 8, 2025 at 6:27 PM
It was super fun to be involved in this!
On Saturday, the Faculty hosted a small group of teachers from around the country at Emmanuel College to discuss the current challenges in teaching History and what can be done to better support schools. Thanks to Professor Alex Walsham, Dr Edward Mair, and Chloe Rogers for organising.
May 6, 2025 at 6:51 PM
It was super fun to be involved in this!
There are currently generic challenges facing all schools and subjects
1. Recruitment/retention
2. Funding. We have no photocopying, books, CPD time etc
3. Post Covid mental health challenges / anxious students
4. A desire to ‘pass the test’ rather than take risks
2/
1. Recruitment/retention
2. Funding. We have no photocopying, books, CPD time etc
3. Post Covid mental health challenges / anxious students
4. A desire to ‘pass the test’ rather than take risks
2/
May 3, 2025 at 7:39 PM
There are currently generic challenges facing all schools and subjects
1. Recruitment/retention
2. Funding. We have no photocopying, books, CPD time etc
3. Post Covid mental health challenges / anxious students
4. A desire to ‘pass the test’ rather than take risks
2/
1. Recruitment/retention
2. Funding. We have no photocopying, books, CPD time etc
3. Post Covid mental health challenges / anxious students
4. A desire to ‘pass the test’ rather than take risks
2/
I was invited to speak at an event for @camhistory.bsky.social today, an informal workshop on the subject of ‘teaching history now’ mixing teachers and academics
Together with the lovely Prof Alexandra Walsham, I spoke of the current challenges in teaching history.
I suggested two themes… 1/
Together with the lovely Prof Alexandra Walsham, I spoke of the current challenges in teaching history.
I suggested two themes… 1/
May 3, 2025 at 7:31 PM
I was invited to speak at an event for @camhistory.bsky.social today, an informal workshop on the subject of ‘teaching history now’ mixing teachers and academics
Together with the lovely Prof Alexandra Walsham, I spoke of the current challenges in teaching history.
I suggested two themes… 1/
Together with the lovely Prof Alexandra Walsham, I spoke of the current challenges in teaching history.
I suggested two themes… 1/
Reposted by Kirstie Murray
This makes me sad. Those parents also are not the product of the all the things people criticise about school now
www.theguardian.com/books/2025/a...
www.theguardian.com/books/2025/a...
Most parents don’t enjoy reading to their children, survey suggests
Report from Nielsen and HarperCollins shows that parents see reading as a literacy skill, rather than something to encourage their children to love
www.theguardian.com
May 1, 2025 at 5:28 AM
This makes me sad. Those parents also are not the product of the all the things people criticise about school now
www.theguardian.com/books/2025/a...
www.theguardian.com/books/2025/a...
I LOVE gain time. Already have lots of plans including an online CPD course with Chartered College and plenty of personal/historians reading.
I fully intend to use those Y11 double lessons for meaningful stuff, not let all that time slip away in long coffee breaks in the staff room…
I fully intend to use those Y11 double lessons for meaningful stuff, not let all that time slip away in long coffee breaks in the staff room…
🗓️ Mark it down: Thurs 19 June, 7pm
We’re talking: 'I’ve gained time – what should I do with it?'
Curriculum changes? Content covered early? Come chat!
#TeachersTalkHistory #HistoryTeacherEvent
Sign up now: streamyard.com/watch/ZC4SsA...
We’re talking: 'I’ve gained time – what should I do with it?'
Curriculum changes? Content covered early? Come chat!
#TeachersTalkHistory #HistoryTeacherEvent
Sign up now: streamyard.com/watch/ZC4SsA...
TTR History - Making Gained Time Count
Join the Teachers Talk History team as they host a special one off online event with advice, recommendations and guidance on how to make gained time count.
streamyard.com
April 25, 2025 at 6:32 PM
I LOVE gain time. Already have lots of plans including an online CPD course with Chartered College and plenty of personal/historians reading.
I fully intend to use those Y11 double lessons for meaningful stuff, not let all that time slip away in long coffee breaks in the staff room…
I fully intend to use those Y11 double lessons for meaningful stuff, not let all that time slip away in long coffee breaks in the staff room…
Teaching Y7 Black Death this year and every group pupils have made COVID references.
Got me thinking about how to harness that/ disabuse simplification especially around the fear and rumour element.
As we move to lessons about grasping, desperate cures I’m sure that more parallels can be drawn
Got me thinking about how to harness that/ disabuse simplification especially around the fear and rumour element.
As we move to lessons about grasping, desperate cures I’m sure that more parallels can be drawn
April 25, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Teaching Y7 Black Death this year and every group pupils have made COVID references.
Got me thinking about how to harness that/ disabuse simplification especially around the fear and rumour element.
As we move to lessons about grasping, desperate cures I’m sure that more parallels can be drawn
Got me thinking about how to harness that/ disabuse simplification especially around the fear and rumour element.
As we move to lessons about grasping, desperate cures I’m sure that more parallels can be drawn
Back to school after 2 weeks. I’ve done absolutely no work and it feels wonderful that I work in a school/environment which makes that possible.
April 21, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Back to school after 2 weeks. I’ve done absolutely no work and it feels wonderful that I work in a school/environment which makes that possible.
Nice to see that some of my ideas about retrieval practice/ quizzing are not drawn from the ether or out on a limb, but similar to other research in this area.
As we approach GCSEs I can see a huge impact from our QR code quizzing. Blogged about here onebighistorydepartment.com/2025/03/05/u...
As we approach GCSEs I can see a huge impact from our QR code quizzing. Blogged about here onebighistorydepartment.com/2025/03/05/u...
April 2, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Nice to see that some of my ideas about retrieval practice/ quizzing are not drawn from the ether or out on a limb, but similar to other research in this area.
As we approach GCSEs I can see a huge impact from our QR code quizzing. Blogged about here onebighistorydepartment.com/2025/03/05/u...
As we approach GCSEs I can see a huge impact from our QR code quizzing. Blogged about here onebighistorydepartment.com/2025/03/05/u...
#historyteachers
I’ve just reread TH183 what’s the wisdom on extended reading.
But I’m looking for something else I think - something about extended reading at KS4 in particular. Probably about reading outside the classroom, extension activities, homeworks etc
Any other recommendations?
I’ve just reread TH183 what’s the wisdom on extended reading.
But I’m looking for something else I think - something about extended reading at KS4 in particular. Probably about reading outside the classroom, extension activities, homeworks etc
Any other recommendations?
March 30, 2025 at 10:57 AM
#historyteachers
I’ve just reread TH183 what’s the wisdom on extended reading.
But I’m looking for something else I think - something about extended reading at KS4 in particular. Probably about reading outside the classroom, extension activities, homeworks etc
Any other recommendations?
I’ve just reread TH183 what’s the wisdom on extended reading.
But I’m looking for something else I think - something about extended reading at KS4 in particular. Probably about reading outside the classroom, extension activities, homeworks etc
Any other recommendations?
