Brett Handley
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physicsmrh.bsky.social
Brett Handley
@physicsmrh.bsky.social
850 followers 620 following 910 posts
Physics teacher 🦄 and second in science. Staff governor. Former electronic engineer and chef. Graduate of UMIST and NTU.
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physicsmrh.bsky.social
Just do not support that platform by being on it.
markgoodrich.bsky.social Mark Goodrich @markgoodrich.bsky.social · 1d
Happy New Year's Eve everyone. If you are a teacher (or indeed anyone) still posting on X, I have a suggested New Year's Resolution for you. Stop!

If you agree, please REPOST here and on X if you maintain an account there.

open.substack.com/pub/markgood...
A New Year's Resolution for Teachers: Quit X
The best time to do so was when Musk started poisoning it; the second-best time is now
open.substack.com
December 31, 2025 at 9:02 PM
physicsmrh.bsky.social
Must be able to create a few questions around this ... #ITeachPhysics #SciTeachUK
December 31, 2025 at 12:04 PM
physicsmrh.bsky.social
haven't seen romanesque in ages
December 24, 2025 at 3:09 PM
physicsmrh.bsky.social
Going on holiday on Xmas day. Recommendations for something new to download to read? #ITeachPhysics #SciTeachUK
December 23, 2025 at 9:15 PM
physicsmrh.bsky.social
Would this have previously been a !?
Minute Cryptic - 23 December, 2025
"Agitate, unload, dry!" (2,7)
🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣
🏆 0 hints – 1 under the community par (47,018 solvers so far).
www.minutecryptic.com?utm_source=s...
Minute Cryptic
Solve a clue with a hidden meaning
www.minutecryptic.com
December 23, 2025 at 9:25 AM
physicsmrh.bsky.social
I think this is the best thing we've ever done ..check out foreverfoundationuk.org
December 22, 2025 at 9:27 PM
physicsmrh.bsky.social
What? Oh yeah. Very good.
Minute Cryptic - 22 December, 2025
"Leads from our karaoke club amps interfere with Bose volume setting?" (8)
🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣
🏆 0 hints – 2 under the community par (38,760 solvers so far).
www.minutecryptic.com?utm_source=s...
Minute Cryptic
Solve a clue with a hidden meaning
www.minutecryptic.com
December 22, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Reposted by Brett Handley
rogerfreedman.bsky.social
The case of the “Gimli Glider” is a cautionary tale for aviators!
Gimli Glider - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
December 21, 2025 at 1:09 PM
physicsmrh.bsky.social
Minute Cryptic - 19 December, 2025
"Completely and utterly sacred?" (6)
🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣
🏆 0 hints – 3 under the community par (24,628 solvers so far).
www.minutecryptic.com?utm_source=s...
Minute Cryptic
Solve a clue with a hidden meaning
www.minutecryptic.com
December 19, 2025 at 6:36 AM
Reposted by Brett Handley
ottoenglish.bsky.social
Another one of those "lefty" teachers who are turning the kids woke

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Teacher described Islam as 'satanic' and discussed cocaine
Patrick Lawler previously featured in a BBC undercover investigation into far-right views.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 17, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Reposted by Brett Handley
robinince.bsky.social
The anniversaries of the death of two artists who pop up in guises throughout my record collection - inspiring wonders
Terry Hall Kirsty Macoll
December 18, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Reposted by Brett Handley
drwilkinsonsci.bsky.social
On the last day of term, TGT remembers the blessed George and Last Christmas. Just don't think about how sad and depressing the lyrics are, yet it's till a holiday favourite. It must be due to the genius of George Michael.
bit.ly/TutorGroupThink
Last Christmas is one of the most loved Christmas pop songs ever written but it’s not really about presents or snow. Released by Wham! in 1984, the song was written and produced by George Michael when he was just 21. Despite its cheerful melody and sleigh bells, the lyrics tell the story of someone heartbroken during the holidays. “Last Christmas, I gave you my heart, but the very next day you gave it away.” George came up with the tune while visiting his parents, rushing upstairs to his old bedroom to start writing. He later recorded it in August in a London studio, playing almost every instrument himself. To get into the festive mood, he even decorated the studio with Christmas lights and tinsel. It was stopped from topping the charts in 1984 by Band Aid (on which George also sang), but became an enduring Christmas favourite anyway, each year many people play the Whammageddon song around hearing the song in December. Now that charts are in part based on streaming data it re-enters the chart every Christmas and was finally Christmas number 1 in 2023. Sadly George Michael died, On Christmas Day 2016, aged just 53. Wham! Consisted of George and his school friend Andrew Ridgeley. If you were going to be in a band with someone in your school, who would it be? George Michael was born Georgios Panayiotou to a Greek Cypriot immigrant father. George changed his name before his fame thinking it would help him find success, what do you think of this? Last Christmas is one of the most loved Christmas pop songs ever written. It was written and produced by George Michael when he was just 21, he also played almost every instrument on the recording. Despite its cheerful melody and sleigh bells, the lyrics tell the story of someone heartbroken during the holidays. It finally reached Christmas number one in 2023, 7 years after George had died aged just 53. Wham! Consisted of George and his school friend Andrew Ridgeley. If you were going to be in a band with someone in your school, who would it be?
December 18, 2025 at 6:09 PM
physicsmrh.bsky.social
I solved Dr W's Minute Cryptic member clue!
Two Kings & three Queens start fight; under long lineage, heirs often usurp sovereign estates (4, 5)
Hints: 0, Letters revealed: 0
www.minutecryptic.com/custom/0faec...
December 17, 2025 at 10:22 PM
physicsmrh.bsky.social
Great story to tell and the "explainer video" is excellent.
drwilkinsonsci.bsky.social Bill Wilkinson @drwilkinsonsci.bsky.social · 14d
Thursday's TGT looks at the anniversary of the discovery of the Chauvet cave paintings in 1994. Undisturbed for 30,000 years they were protected and preserved and an exact replica built nearby. Discuss the replica and preservation or whether creating art makes us human.
bit.ly/TutorGroupThink
Thursday 18th December On this day in 1994, three French cave explorers, Jean-Marie Chauvet, Éliette Brunel and Christian Hillaire made a breathtaking discovery in a cave in southern France. They were exploring a narrow passage when they broke through a blocked tunnel and found themselves in a vast underground cave filled with astonishing prehistoric paintings. These artworks, preserved in complete darkness for thousands of years, showed animals like lions, rhinos, horses and bears, drawn with detail, shading, and movement that stunned cavers and all who have seen the drawings since. Some of the Chauvet cave drawings have been carbon-dated to be 30,000 years old; twice as old as those at the famous Lascaux cave. Their discovery changed how archaeologists understand early humans, proving that artistic imagination and symbolic thinking existed thousands of years earlier than once thought. To protect the fragile drawings the original cave is completely closed to the public. Scientists study it under strict conditions, using digital technology to avoid direct contact. But to share this incredible discovery with the public a replica called Chauvet 2 was built nearby. It recreates the cave's interior and paintings in exact detail, allowing people to experience the wonder of this ancient art without risking damage to the real cave (Tom Scott explainer video). Would you like to visit the replica cave? Why do you think the people who lived in the cave 30,000 years ago drew these images on the walls? Thursday 18th December On this day in 1994, three French cave explorers made a breathtaking discovery in a cave in southern France. The Chauvet cave drawings had been preserved in complete darkness for around 30,000 years. To protect them, they’re closed to the public but exact replicas are drawn at a cave nearby. Why do you think the people who lived in the cave 30,000 years ago drew these images on the walls?
December 17, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Reposted by Brett Handley
drwilkinsonsci.bsky.social
Thursday's TGT looks at the anniversary of the discovery of the Chauvet cave paintings in 1994. Undisturbed for 30,000 years they were protected and preserved and an exact replica built nearby. Discuss the replica and preservation or whether creating art makes us human.
bit.ly/TutorGroupThink
Thursday 18th December On this day in 1994, three French cave explorers, Jean-Marie Chauvet, Éliette Brunel and Christian Hillaire made a breathtaking discovery in a cave in southern France. They were exploring a narrow passage when they broke through a blocked tunnel and found themselves in a vast underground cave filled with astonishing prehistoric paintings. These artworks, preserved in complete darkness for thousands of years, showed animals like lions, rhinos, horses and bears, drawn with detail, shading, and movement that stunned cavers and all who have seen the drawings since. Some of the Chauvet cave drawings have been carbon-dated to be 30,000 years old; twice as old as those at the famous Lascaux cave. Their discovery changed how archaeologists understand early humans, proving that artistic imagination and symbolic thinking existed thousands of years earlier than once thought. To protect the fragile drawings the original cave is completely closed to the public. Scientists study it under strict conditions, using digital technology to avoid direct contact. But to share this incredible discovery with the public a replica called Chauvet 2 was built nearby. It recreates the cave's interior and paintings in exact detail, allowing people to experience the wonder of this ancient art without risking damage to the real cave (Tom Scott explainer video). Would you like to visit the replica cave? Why do you think the people who lived in the cave 30,000 years ago drew these images on the walls? Thursday 18th December On this day in 1994, three French cave explorers made a breathtaking discovery in a cave in southern France. The Chauvet cave drawings had been preserved in complete darkness for around 30,000 years. To protect them, they’re closed to the public but exact replicas are drawn at a cave nearby. Why do you think the people who lived in the cave 30,000 years ago drew these images on the walls?
December 17, 2025 at 6:57 PM
physicsmrh.bsky.social
Six period day, break duty and a small fight during P5. Great day. Roll on end of term.
December 17, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Reposted by Brett Handley
drwilkinsonsci.bsky.social
Wednesday's TGT uses the Roman festival of Saturnalia which began on December 17th a prompt to discuss the universality of Winter Festivals, visiting ancient ruins and perhaps What The Roman's Ever Did For Us?
bit.ly/TutorGroupThink
Wednesday 17th December The Roman Temple of Saturn (with its eight entrance columns that still stand in Rome today, pictured) was dedicated in 497 BC and 17th December was traditionally the beginning of Saturnalia, a festival honouring Saturn, the god of time, wealth, and agriculture. Saturnalia began as a single-day celebration, but expanded to 3 days and later to a week of feasting, games, gift-giving and role-reversals (servants were treated like masters!) and people wore bright, colourful clothes instead of formal togas. Public order was relaxed and partying and mischief were encouraged. Although Saturnalia is no longer celebrated its influence can still be seen in the way we celebrate winter holidays today. The tradition of giving gifts, decorating homes, lighting candles, and sharing festive meals all have echoes in both Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Even the idea of a break from normal work and rules comes directly from this ancient Roman festival. Even traditions such as wearing silly hats and pulling crackers have their roots in Saturnalia. Saturnalia is an example of how ancient traditions shape modern life, especially during the darkest time of the year when people crave connection and celebration. Have you ever been to Rome and seen the ancient ruins? Would you like to visit? Who was Saturn and why does he share a name with a planet? Why do you think humans of all cultures have celebrations in the middle of winter? What are your favourite Mid-Winter / Christmas traditions? Wednesday 17th December 17th December was traditionally the beginning of Saturnalia, a Roman festival honouring Saturn, the god of time, wealth, and agriculture. Saturnalia began as a single-day celebration, but expanded to 3 days and later to a week of feasting, games, gift-giving and partying. Although Saturnalia is no longer celebrated its influence can still be seen in the way we celebrate winter holidays today. Pictured is the ruins of the Temple of Saturn in Rome. Would you like to visit? What are your favourite Mid-Winter / Christmas traditions?
December 16, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Reposted by Brett Handley
russincheshire.bsky.social
Beyond words.

But I'll try anyway.

Somewhere on this planet is The Worst Human. It stands to reason one of us is The Worst One. Logically, somebody has to be.

And it's this cunt, isn't it.
December 15, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Reposted by Brett Handley
drwilkinsonsci.bsky.social
Monday's TGT marks the 300th anniversary of Vivaldi's Four Seasons publication. One of the first examples of program music; written to represent something else. Play your students Winter and ask them if it makes them think of Winter?
bit.ly/TutorGroupThink
Monday 15th December This past weekend marked 300 years since Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons was published in Amsterdam. Vivaldi was an Italian priest and violinist and one of the best violin teachers of the age. He wrote around 500 concertos and 50 operas in his career, but The Four Seasons is the most famous and innovative. It was one of the first examples of ‘program music’; Listen to Winter from Four Seasons. How does this music make you feel? Do you think of Winter? Monday 15th December This past weekend has marked 300 years since Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons was published in Amsterdam. Vivaldi was born in Venice in 1678. His father taught him to play the violin and he was an exceptional violinist, though from from aged 15 to 25 he trained to be a priest and was ordained in 1703. As well as an exceptional violinist he was also considered one of the best violin teachers and a great composer. In 1725 he published one of his most famous concerts The Four Seasons. Each of the four short concerti represent a different season and he also composed a poem for each, making The Four Seasons one of the earliest examples of ‘program music’; pieces which were composed up make listeners imagine specific things or feelings, rather than simply be beautiful music. It is unsurprising perhaps that as a violinist himself, Vivaldi gives the violin a prominent role in all four seasons. Here in Winter Vivaldi uses fast, icy, shivering notes to evoke cold winds and frozen landscapes. Vivaldi wrote around 500 concertos and around 50 operas in his career, but The Four Seasons is one of his most celebrated and one of the most beloved classical pieces of all time. What do you think of this piece of music? How does it make you feel? Does the music need the sonnet to make you think of winter?
December 14, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Reposted by Brett Handley
robinince.bsky.social
Thank you all for your support
December 14, 2025 at 6:53 PM
physicsmrh.bsky.social
This year we have built on using homework as retrieval by taking questions that the specific class struggled with in the homework and adapting them for the next do now. Hopefully this goes some way to addressing the issues raised here by @adamboxereducation.bsky.social
adamboxereducation.bsky.social Adam Boxer @adamboxereducation.bsky.social · 17d
NEW POST

Schools rightly spend a lot of time thinking about classroom teaching and in-the-moment learning and lesson structure. But without a plan for long-term memory, we are probably wasting our time.

Please do share if you can 🙏🙏

carouselteachlearnlead.substack.com/p/the-long-t...
The Long-Term Memory Problem: Why Teaching and Learning Policies Fail
Schools are very good at writing policies about in-the-moment teaching. They are much worse at strategising for long-term memory and learning.
carouselteachlearnlead.substack.com
December 14, 2025 at 3:34 PM
physicsmrh.bsky.social
@robinince.bsky.social Indeed ...
adambienkov.bsky.social Adam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · 18d
The fact is no presenter has ever had to leave the BBC for expressing conservative views, or even explicitly endorsing a right-wing party.

Was never a problem for Jeremy Clarkson. Was never a problem for Andrew Neil. Was never a problem for Alan Sugar
thegmcconnachie.bsky.social Garry @thegmcconnachie.bsky.social · 19d
Robin Ince reveals to last night’s audience at a recording of Infinite Monkey Cage that the BBC has forced him to resign over his support of trans people
December 13, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Reposted by Brett Handley
adambienkov.bsky.social
The fact is no presenter has ever had to leave the BBC for expressing conservative views, or even explicitly endorsing a right-wing party.

Was never a problem for Jeremy Clarkson. Was never a problem for Andrew Neil. Was never a problem for Alan Sugar
thegmcconnachie.bsky.social Garry @thegmcconnachie.bsky.social · 19d
Robin Ince reveals to last night’s audience at a recording of Infinite Monkey Cage that the BBC has forced him to resign over his support of trans people
December 13, 2025 at 4:36 PM
physicsmrh.bsky.social
@robinince.bsky.social We are living in a world where lovely, empathetic, supportive people have to leave the BBC (Ince, Lineker) while outrageous, extremist, bigots (Farage etc) appear on the BBC every day.
cosmicshambles.com The Cosmic Shambles Network @cosmicshambles.com · 19d
An important statement from the desk of Robin Ince
December 13, 2025 at 10:41 PM
physicsmrh.bsky.social
We are living in a world where lovely, empathetic, supportive people have to leave the BBC (Ince, Lineker) while outrageous, extremist, bigots (Farage etc) appear on the BBC every day.
robinince.bsky.social Robin Ince @robinince.bsky.social · 19d
Very sad that I felt I had no choice but to resign from The Infinite Monkey Cage - a victory for the transphobes and other bigots - I did it because so much of the media has chosen to believe the kind and empathetic people are a fiction - they are real and so often unrepresented.
This is the saddest day of my professional life. Today is not only the final recording of the latest series of The Infinite Monkey Cage, it is my last ever Monkey Cage. I never thought that I would have to leave the show. I always imagined going on until | dropped dead under the studio lights due to a brain aneurysm caused by my final attempt to understand notions of quantum gravity or the shock of being told about fly maggot infestations in the sacks of macaque monkeys. I resigned in September, after sixteen years of dedication to the show, A show that I named and helped develop over all those years. Unfortunately, my opinions outside the BBC have been considered problematic for sometime, whether it has been voicing support for the trans community, criticism of Donald Trump, numerous other outlandish opinions, including once gently criticising Stephen Fry. These things were considered to conflict with being a freelance BBC science presenter In a recent meeting where BBC Studio executives again voiced problems with me, I realised my choices. Obedience and being quieter to remain making Monkey Cage, or 'Resign and have the freedom to speak out against what I believe are injustices'. • I chose the latter. It broke my heart. I love this show and I love the audience, and it is because of the audience in particular, that this decision was so difficult to make. I kept thinking about all the extremist voices promoting hate and division. They are being given so many platforms, while voices that represent kindness, open mindedness, empathy seem to be scarcer and scarcer. I felt I couldn't pamper myself with the luxury of silence. One of my many privileges is that I am able to resign and I can speak out even if it is to the detriment of my career. I have thought a lot about my heroes, Sinead O Connor, James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, and so many more. I think of Sinead's words, "the job of an artist is to be themselves at any cost". James Baldwin said prejudice was really just a word for cowardice. Audre Lorde, viewing her life, wrote that her only regrets were her silences. I think of my father as I resign, he brought me up to believe in fairness , justice and kindness. Though my heart is broken, it is also full of fire. I apologise to our incredible listeners for my departure, your love of the show means a great deal. I am so sorry to let you down. I hope that you can understand my reasoning. I have to accept that I am not what the current BBC expects of their freelance presenters. Despite this I should add that I have always worked far more than my contracted hours to try and ensure the show was always the best it could be, as well as making myself accessible and responsive to the audience wherever and whenever I met them. Every night, we have recorded, I have been filled with determination to make the best show possible. This was not "just a job" I hope that with my departure I can be a better ally to the LGBTQ community, to the neurodivergent community, to activists fighting against those who aim to brutalise society, to those currently in prison on hunger strike, and to all those who fight for a more inclusive world. From many conversations, I know there are many Monkey Cage listeners who support these communities and activists too. The strawberry is dead. Long live the strawberry. B
December 13, 2025 at 10:32 PM