Kirsty Simkin
@kirstysimkin.bsky.social
Assistant Headteacher @ Reach Schools
Teacher of EYFS -> Secondary
SENCo & DDSL @ Reach Hanworth Park
Primary Science Lead @ Reach Feltham
Governor @ Southville Primary
Teacher of EYFS -> Secondary
SENCo & DDSL @ Reach Hanworth Park
Primary Science Lead @ Reach Feltham
Governor @ Southville Primary
Reposted by Kirsty Simkin
I’m really excited to share that I’ve written a book with the awesome @missis-scs.bsky.social for primary English subject leaders. Huge thanks to @jonhutchinson.bsky.social for his wise words and support along the journey!
📚How to Lead It titles enable busy subject leaders to make good decisions for effective teaching and impactful curricula with confidence. Pre-order now!
www.bloomsbury.com/uk/series/ho...
@emlennard.bsky.social @triciamoss.bsky.social
@kirstysimkin.bsky.social @missis-scs.bsky.social
www.bloomsbury.com/uk/series/ho...
@emlennard.bsky.social @triciamoss.bsky.social
@kirstysimkin.bsky.social @missis-scs.bsky.social
June 26, 2025 at 5:40 PM
I’m really excited to share that I’ve written a book with the awesome @missis-scs.bsky.social for primary English subject leaders. Huge thanks to @jonhutchinson.bsky.social for his wise words and support along the journey!
Reposted by Kirsty Simkin
I’m delighted to have contributed to this series! @triciamoss.bsky.social and I wanted to bring together everything we wished we’d known back when we were starting out in leadership of the English curriculum. We hope How To Lead It, Primary English does just that for primary English subject leaders!
📚How to Lead It titles enable busy subject leaders to make good decisions for effective teaching and impactful curricula with confidence. Pre-order now!
www.bloomsbury.com/uk/series/ho...
@emlennard.bsky.social @triciamoss.bsky.social
@kirstysimkin.bsky.social @missis-scs.bsky.social
www.bloomsbury.com/uk/series/ho...
@emlennard.bsky.social @triciamoss.bsky.social
@kirstysimkin.bsky.social @missis-scs.bsky.social
June 26, 2025 at 6:30 PM
I’m delighted to have contributed to this series! @triciamoss.bsky.social and I wanted to bring together everything we wished we’d known back when we were starting out in leadership of the English curriculum. We hope How To Lead It, Primary English does just that for primary English subject leaders!
Reposted by Kirsty Simkin
So excited to see the launch of this series - it’s a pinch me moment - but here is my latest book for all you wonderful primary geography leaders! Thank you @bloomsburyed.bsky.social for the adventure! ♥️🌍
📚How to Lead It titles enable busy subject leaders to make good decisions for effective teaching and impactful curricula with confidence. Pre-order now!
www.bloomsbury.com/uk/series/ho...
@emlennard.bsky.social @triciamoss.bsky.social
@kirstysimkin.bsky.social @missis-scs.bsky.social
www.bloomsbury.com/uk/series/ho...
@emlennard.bsky.social @triciamoss.bsky.social
@kirstysimkin.bsky.social @missis-scs.bsky.social
June 26, 2025 at 3:29 PM
So excited to see the launch of this series - it’s a pinch me moment - but here is my latest book for all you wonderful primary geography leaders! Thank you @bloomsburyed.bsky.social for the adventure! ♥️🌍
Reposted by Kirsty Simkin
📚How to Lead It titles enable busy subject leaders to make good decisions for effective teaching and impactful curricula with confidence. Pre-order now!
www.bloomsbury.com/uk/series/ho...
@emlennard.bsky.social @triciamoss.bsky.social
@kirstysimkin.bsky.social @missis-scs.bsky.social
www.bloomsbury.com/uk/series/ho...
@emlennard.bsky.social @triciamoss.bsky.social
@kirstysimkin.bsky.social @missis-scs.bsky.social
June 26, 2025 at 3:20 PM
📚How to Lead It titles enable busy subject leaders to make good decisions for effective teaching and impactful curricula with confidence. Pre-order now!
www.bloomsbury.com/uk/series/ho...
@emlennard.bsky.social @triciamoss.bsky.social
@kirstysimkin.bsky.social @missis-scs.bsky.social
www.bloomsbury.com/uk/series/ho...
@emlennard.bsky.social @triciamoss.bsky.social
@kirstysimkin.bsky.social @missis-scs.bsky.social
Reposted by Kirsty Simkin
reading programme. The data has been staggering & we have a FREE reading event to explain why with @jonnybennett13.bsky.social. See details below:
April 5, 2025 at 10:52 AM
reading programme. The data has been staggering & we have a FREE reading event to explain why with @jonnybennett13.bsky.social. See details below:
Reposted by Kirsty Simkin
At Reach Academy Hanworth Park, pupils in Y7 read the same book at home each half term as part of our reading programme. Our pupils love discussing characters/plot/predictions with their peers in our weekly English Morning Meets. Short thread on how we do this. 🧵
March 23, 2025 at 8:20 PM
At Reach Academy Hanworth Park, pupils in Y7 read the same book at home each half term as part of our reading programme. Our pupils love discussing characters/plot/predictions with their peers in our weekly English Morning Meets. Short thread on how we do this. 🧵
🚨 Mind the AI Gap: Are we leaving girls & disadvantaged students behind?
Read more in my most recent blog post with Teach First:
www.teachfirst.org.uk/blog/mind-ai...
Read more in my most recent blog post with Teach First:
www.teachfirst.org.uk/blog/mind-ai...
Mind the AI Gap | Teach FirstCopy to clipboardcautionchatcheck-offcheck-onclosecog-offcog-ondownfirst-pagehome-offhome-oninfolast-pagemailminusmobilemorenextpdfpersonplayplusprevquestionradio-offradio...
With the International Day of Women and Girls in Science having taken place recently, it’s time to confront an uncomfortable truth: AI is not only reshaping e
www.teachfirst.org.uk
March 14, 2025 at 12:24 PM
🚨 Mind the AI Gap: Are we leaving girls & disadvantaged students behind?
Read more in my most recent blog post with Teach First:
www.teachfirst.org.uk/blog/mind-ai...
Read more in my most recent blog post with Teach First:
www.teachfirst.org.uk/blog/mind-ai...
Reposted by Kirsty Simkin
What is the most effective way to manage the complex tapestry of needs in a primary classroom? Sendco @kirstysimkin.bsky.social offers five key foundations for success ⬇️
5 essential skills for teaching a variety of SEND needs
With around five pupils in the average classroom having a diagnosed SEND, ensuring that we cater to all is more important than ever, writes Sendco Kirsty Simkin
www.tes.com
January 20, 2025 at 4:20 PM
What is the most effective way to manage the complex tapestry of needs in a primary classroom? Sendco @kirstysimkin.bsky.social offers five key foundations for success ⬇️
On SEND: "What’s crucial to understand is that diverse needs don’t just affect academic progress; they impact how children experience & engage with school life itself." @kirstysimkin.bsky.social in @tesmagazine.bsky.social: www.tes.com/magazine/tea...
5 essential skills for teaching a variety of SEND needs
With around five pupils in the average classroom having a diagnosed SEND, ensuring that we cater to all is more important than ever, writes Sendco Kirsty Simkin
www.tes.com
January 19, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Come and work with us!!
We have many career-defining opportunities at Reach Schools atm. If you're thinking about a move and want to work in a school where relationships and community really matter with fantastic opportunities for career growth - check the vacancies link in bio. @louiseverett.bsky.social #teachatreach
January 14, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Come and work with us!!
A small act of kindness can have a massive impact on the lives of children at Reach Schools.
If you would like to make a donation to support the wonderful work we do at Reach Schools then please follow the link below!
reachschools.uk/christmas-giving
If you would like to make a donation to support the wonderful work we do at Reach Schools then please follow the link below!
reachschools.uk/christmas-giving
Christmas – Give to Reach
Help us to see every child enjoy a life of choice and opportunity. Share a gift of knowledge, adventure or stability by donating to Reach Schools this Christmas…
reachschools.uk
December 30, 2024 at 3:25 PM
A small act of kindness can have a massive impact on the lives of children at Reach Schools.
If you would like to make a donation to support the wonderful work we do at Reach Schools then please follow the link below!
reachschools.uk/christmas-giving
If you would like to make a donation to support the wonderful work we do at Reach Schools then please follow the link below!
reachschools.uk/christmas-giving
Come and work at my wonderful school with my wonderful team! 🌟
I’ve worked with Reach for 8yrs and there’s a reason I’ve never left 🦸
It’s seriously special being part of a founding team - don’t miss out 🎉
Reach out to chat about the roles or better yet come and see the school for yourself 😊🏫
I’ve worked with Reach for 8yrs and there’s a reason I’ve never left 🦸
It’s seriously special being part of a founding team - don’t miss out 🎉
Reach out to chat about the roles or better yet come and see the school for yourself 😊🏫
We have NINE opportunities to join us on our founding journey:
✅Maths Teacher
✅English Teacher
✅Science Teacher
✅Humanities Subject Lead
✅PE Teacher
✅Head of Year 7
✅Lead Year 1 Teacher
✅Year 1 Class Teacher
✅Reception Teacher
reachacademyhanworthpark.com/jointheteam/
✅Maths Teacher
✅English Teacher
✅Science Teacher
✅Humanities Subject Lead
✅PE Teacher
✅Head of Year 7
✅Lead Year 1 Teacher
✅Year 1 Class Teacher
✅Reception Teacher
reachacademyhanworthpark.com/jointheteam/
Join the team - Reach Academy Hanworth Park
Join the team Information for prospective staff Growing a new school is the greatest privilege in the world. This is a career-defining opportunity to develop the culture of a brand new school…
reachacademyhanworthpark.com
December 17, 2024 at 7:52 AM
Come and work at my wonderful school with my wonderful team! 🌟
I’ve worked with Reach for 8yrs and there’s a reason I’ve never left 🦸
It’s seriously special being part of a founding team - don’t miss out 🎉
Reach out to chat about the roles or better yet come and see the school for yourself 😊🏫
I’ve worked with Reach for 8yrs and there’s a reason I’ve never left 🦸
It’s seriously special being part of a founding team - don’t miss out 🎉
Reach out to chat about the roles or better yet come and see the school for yourself 😊🏫
Really can’t get over those playtimes. They were ace.
Some reflections on our schools study tour from assistant headteacher @kirstysimkin.bsky.social whilst visiting One Degree Academy.
It’s a school which blew all our socks off. The children had huge confidence and engaged their visitors in wonderful conversation. The
It’s a school which blew all our socks off. The children had huge confidence and engaged their visitors in wonderful conversation. The
November 16, 2024 at 11:29 AM
Really can’t get over those playtimes. They were ace.
Reposted by Kirsty Simkin
Here we go: as I haven't seen one yet, I'm going to put together a starter pack for SEND people. Primarily SENDCOs (and ALNCOs for the welsh) but also consultants and leaders.
Hit me up please and I'll turn into a pack when there's a few. Rt to the SEND massive.
Hit me up please and I'll turn into a pack when there's a few. Rt to the SEND massive.
a white cat with its mouth open and the words call me plsss on the bottom
ALT: a white cat with its mouth open and the words call me plsss on the bottom
media.tenor.com
November 14, 2024 at 8:05 PM
Here we go: as I haven't seen one yet, I'm going to put together a starter pack for SEND people. Primarily SENDCOs (and ALNCOs for the welsh) but also consultants and leaders.
Hit me up please and I'll turn into a pack when there's a few. Rt to the SEND massive.
Hit me up please and I'll turn into a pack when there's a few. Rt to the SEND massive.
Reposted by Kirsty Simkin
Are you a headteacher, serving or retired, a deputy or and assistant Head?
Of so, could you comment on this thread and I will put together a head teacher starter pack.
Please Repost for maximum reach.
Of so, could you comment on this thread and I will put together a head teacher starter pack.
Please Repost for maximum reach.
a cartoon character says " principal party " in a living room
ALT: a cartoon character says " principal party " in a living room
media.tenor.com
November 10, 2024 at 8:01 PM
Are you a headteacher, serving or retired, a deputy or and assistant Head?
Of so, could you comment on this thread and I will put together a head teacher starter pack.
Please Repost for maximum reach.
Of so, could you comment on this thread and I will put together a head teacher starter pack.
Please Repost for maximum reach.
Loved being part of this visit today. One degree Academy is such a fantastic school full of staff who care deeply and work hard so all their pupils can achieve their best.
🚂 Today marks day one of our Autumn School Study Tour in London.
Primary folks spent the day with @jonhutchinson.bsky.social, @leadwest100.bsky.social and @leadeast100.bsky.social colleagues at One Degree Academy in Enfield, while...
Primary folks spent the day with @jonhutchinson.bsky.social, @leadwest100.bsky.social and @leadeast100.bsky.social colleagues at One Degree Academy in Enfield, while...
November 13, 2024 at 9:16 PM
Loved being part of this visit today. One degree Academy is such a fantastic school full of staff who care deeply and work hard so all their pupils can achieve their best.
Reposted by Kirsty Simkin
I started a starter pack for Primary/EY but ran out of space so might need to start up a second one! Let me know if you think you should be on it :-) go.bsky.app/5qTTDcV
November 11, 2024 at 10:00 PM
I started a starter pack for Primary/EY but ran out of space so might need to start up a second one! Let me know if you think you should be on it :-) go.bsky.app/5qTTDcV
Reposted by Kirsty Simkin
The vision, guidance & challenge you’ll receive from Rebecca Cramer is reason enough to apply alone.
You’ll get to work every day with someone who has an unstoppable drive to give every single child a brilliant life. Someone who believes that you can have a lot of fun doing that.
You’ll get to work every day with someone who has an unstoppable drive to give every single child a brilliant life. Someone who believes that you can have a lot of fun doing that.
October 22, 2024 at 5:32 PM
The vision, guidance & challenge you’ll receive from Rebecca Cramer is reason enough to apply alone.
You’ll get to work every day with someone who has an unstoppable drive to give every single child a brilliant life. Someone who believes that you can have a lot of fun doing that.
You’ll get to work every day with someone who has an unstoppable drive to give every single child a brilliant life. Someone who believes that you can have a lot of fun doing that.
A post to mark the last day of Black History Month! Here are some of my favourite scientists that feature on our science curriculum and whose stories find their way into my science assemblies. #EDUsky #edusky #bhm #blackhistorymonth
October 31, 2024 at 5:59 PM
A post to mark the last day of Black History Month! Here are some of my favourite scientists that feature on our science curriculum and whose stories find their way into my science assemblies. #EDUsky #edusky #bhm #blackhistorymonth
Intrigued to try this with some of our students. Anybody else used it? #EDUsky #edusky #dyslexia #SEN
The best spelling program for DYSLEXIA -- tests included but not needed! Progress is obvious to both student and teacher.
(Nobody pays me to say that.)
A review of Sequential Spelling here:
https://buff.ly/2Y33qYS
#spelling #dyslexia #homeschool #teach #tutor #vocabulary
(Nobody pays me to say that.)
A review of Sequential Spelling here:
https://buff.ly/2Y33qYS
#spelling #dyslexia #homeschool #teach #tutor #vocabulary
Sequential Spelling for Dyslexics: A DTK Curriculum Review - Dyslexia Tool Kit
An independent review of Sequential Spelling curriculum for dyslexic students, by Yvonna Graham, M.Ed. Published by AVKO.
buff.ly
October 31, 2024 at 5:31 PM
What a great first half term it’s been! @lilystaff.bsky.social @louiseverett.bsky.social
Great to join Blue Sky! Excited to share more about our founding journey at Reach Academy Hanworth Park soon. It has been a pleasure setting up the English department alongside our amazing SLT including @louiseverett.bsky.social and @kirstysimkin.bsky.social!
reachacademyhanworthpark.com
reachacademyhanworthpark.com
Reach Academy Hanworth Park. A Reach School - opening in September 2024
Reach Academy Hanworth Park, our newest Reach School. Our mission is that every student will go on to enjoy a life of choice and opportunity.
reachacademyhanworthpark.com
October 29, 2024 at 3:48 PM
What a great first half term it’s been! @lilystaff.bsky.social @louiseverett.bsky.social
Vocabulary instruction is so important. This is a useful summary!
I have seen teaching etymology of words done badly though e.g. in places where it is not needed or useful. Teachers who’ve been told to use it as a strategy but not yet confident enough to decide when best not to use it
I have seen teaching etymology of words done badly though e.g. in places where it is not needed or useful. Teachers who’ve been told to use it as a strategy but not yet confident enough to decide when best not to use it
There are few areas of education so rich with evidence & practice than the effectiveness of vocabulary instruction.
There are three key pillars:
1. Explicit vocabulary teaching
2. Incidental vocabulary learning
3. Developing word consciousness
alexquigley.co.uk/three-pillar...
There are three key pillars:
1. Explicit vocabulary teaching
2. Incidental vocabulary learning
3. Developing word consciousness
alexquigley.co.uk/three-pillar...
Three Pillars of Vocabulary Teaching
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that vocabulary knowledge is crucial for pupils’ school success. Pupils are language sponges, learning thousands of words each year. Like increases in a child’s...
alexquigley.co.uk
October 28, 2024 at 3:41 PM
Vocabulary instruction is so important. This is a useful summary!
I have seen teaching etymology of words done badly though e.g. in places where it is not needed or useful. Teachers who’ve been told to use it as a strategy but not yet confident enough to decide when best not to use it
I have seen teaching etymology of words done badly though e.g. in places where it is not needed or useful. Teachers who’ve been told to use it as a strategy but not yet confident enough to decide when best not to use it
Love this video from @jonhutchinson.bsky.social on the importance of belonging.
Creating a school where pupils feel safe, known and connected is paramount.
Can't wait to see more from The Building Belonging Project!
Creating a school where pupils feel safe, known and connected is paramount.
Can't wait to see more from The Building Belonging Project!
📢The Building Belonging Project 📢
So happy to share a big project that I’ve been working on for the last few years with my LSX teammates.
The building belonging project features insights from world experts, as well as classroom resources.
And we’re just getting started!
youtu.be/t1suFA6BXvg?...
So happy to share a big project that I’ve been working on for the last few years with my LSX teammates.
The building belonging project features insights from world experts, as well as classroom resources.
And we’re just getting started!
youtu.be/t1suFA6BXvg?...
Building Belonging in Schools
YouTube video by Jonathan Hutchinson
youtu.be
September 22, 2024 at 8:36 AM
Love this video from @jonhutchinson.bsky.social on the importance of belonging.
Creating a school where pupils feel safe, known and connected is paramount.
Can't wait to see more from The Building Belonging Project!
Creating a school where pupils feel safe, known and connected is paramount.
Can't wait to see more from The Building Belonging Project!
This starting back at school September might be my favourite one yet. It has been so exciting to be part of a team with @louiseverett.bsky.social opening a new school! All year 7s and reception have settled in so well and I am learning LOTS.
1/3 What a founding week!
Some of many highlights:
1. Daily assemblies on why we’re part of something special & that we’re a team with a collective responsibility for each other 💪
2. Daily shout outs from staff & pupils celebrating success & expressing gratitude publicly 🥰
Some of many highlights:
1. Daily assemblies on why we’re part of something special & that we’re a team with a collective responsibility for each other 💪
2. Daily shout outs from staff & pupils celebrating success & expressing gratitude publicly 🥰
September 18, 2024 at 5:34 PM
This starting back at school September might be my favourite one yet. It has been so exciting to be part of a team with @louiseverett.bsky.social opening a new school! All year 7s and reception have settled in so well and I am learning LOTS.