Gary (@MrLearnwell)
@garyxander.bsky.social
Primary Deputy Head of many years!
Curriculum/Teaching/Assessment Lead
Computer nerd
Outside of work: Interested in politics, sociology, books, history and interesting conversations.
No drama needed.
Curriculum/Teaching/Assessment Lead
Computer nerd
Outside of work: Interested in politics, sociology, books, history and interesting conversations.
No drama needed.
How is that going to work Jon? I'm interested in how the panel might go about judging how long it might take to teach the proscribed content.
November 6, 2025 at 3:25 PM
How is that going to work Jon? I'm interested in how the panel might go about judging how long it might take to teach the proscribed content.
Definitely a cash issue as well. As a maintained school I feel we still have autonomy over pedagogy, but no money to splash on external experts unfortunately.
May 14, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Definitely a cash issue as well. As a maintained school I feel we still have autonomy over pedagogy, but no money to splash on external experts unfortunately.
Ah the old Free Speech rallying cry! Everybody has the right to say what they think as long as they agree with me!
February 27, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Ah the old Free Speech rallying cry! Everybody has the right to say what they think as long as they agree with me!
What an opening track! Still love this album
February 17, 2025 at 10:04 PM
What an opening track! Still love this album
Oh, and hello!
January 17, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Oh, and hello!
Progress measures break *most* assessment. I'd argue that standardised testing in controlled conditions at regular intervals can generate a reasonable approximation of progress.
January 17, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Progress measures break *most* assessment. I'd argue that standardised testing in controlled conditions at regular intervals can generate a reasonable approximation of progress.
So not saying that you're not going to raise a certain tax, whilst saying over and over again that you're not going to raise the main taxes constitutes 'a pledge to raise taxes'. Gotcha.
December 4, 2024 at 5:15 PM
So not saying that you're not going to raise a certain tax, whilst saying over and over again that you're not going to raise the main taxes constitutes 'a pledge to raise taxes'. Gotcha.
A pledge to raise taxes? Really? You must watch different TV to me.
December 4, 2024 at 4:32 PM
A pledge to raise taxes? Really? You must watch different TV to me.
So it's a combination of tax rises and private investments then. Sounds perfectly sensible to me.
December 4, 2024 at 2:59 PM
So it's a combination of tax rises and private investments then. Sounds perfectly sensible to me.
Very good point
December 4, 2024 at 12:21 PM
Very good point
SLT: I'm afraid it has been noted that your performance on Teacher Core Directive 147/a has been lacking
Teacher: Directive 147/a sir? At no time is it permitted to make a drink in a mug with another staff member's name on it even if they've left?
That sort of thing?
Teacher: Directive 147/a sir? At no time is it permitted to make a drink in a mug with another staff member's name on it even if they've left?
That sort of thing?
December 4, 2024 at 11:52 AM
SLT: I'm afraid it has been noted that your performance on Teacher Core Directive 147/a has been lacking
Teacher: Directive 147/a sir? At no time is it permitted to make a drink in a mug with another staff member's name on it even if they've left?
That sort of thing?
Teacher: Directive 147/a sir? At no time is it permitted to make a drink in a mug with another staff member's name on it even if they've left?
That sort of thing?
I accept it would be more Left to raise taxes to invest more, but show me a government in modern times that has won an election on a pledge to raise taxes
December 4, 2024 at 5:44 AM
I accept it would be more Left to raise taxes to invest more, but show me a government in modern times that has won an election on a pledge to raise taxes
I'd argue that in intention (to improve a public service) it is fundamentally a policy of the centre left. Of course it is in combination with higher central funding and other reforms. 1/2
December 4, 2024 at 5:44 AM
I'd argue that in intention (to improve a public service) it is fundamentally a policy of the centre left. Of course it is in combination with higher central funding and other reforms. 1/2
I think the 'yardstick placement' is my point. My own position is irrelevant because I appreciate that others have views that are equally valid. Some have views that I don't think are valid in a democracy (when they oppress others). I will try to convince others of my points, but not compel them.
December 3, 2024 at 7:39 AM
I think the 'yardstick placement' is my point. My own position is irrelevant because I appreciate that others have views that are equally valid. Some have views that I don't think are valid in a democracy (when they oppress others). I will try to convince others of my points, but not compel them.
A compromise of opinions. The government can't rule with only your views in mind.
December 3, 2024 at 7:13 AM
A compromise of opinions. The government can't rule with only your views in mind.
Morally bankrupt? A little extreme don't you think? Are you suggesting I can't have any morals?
December 3, 2024 at 7:12 AM
Morally bankrupt? A little extreme don't you think? Are you suggesting I can't have any morals?
Left then, the additional adjectives are always relative. I wouldn't call any current labour policy 'Right'
December 3, 2024 at 7:06 AM
Left then, the additional adjectives are always relative. I wouldn't call any current labour policy 'Right'
Just some thoughts 😁
December 3, 2024 at 7:00 AM
Just some thoughts 😁
Secondly: one position would be to be critical and 'fight' for populist left positions, another would be to accept that Government is by nature a compromise of opinions, and that the Left benefit far more from having a Centrist Labour Gov than a Tory one. Division leads back to defeat.
December 3, 2024 at 6:59 AM
Secondly: one position would be to be critical and 'fight' for populist left positions, another would be to accept that Government is by nature a compromise of opinions, and that the Left benefit far more from having a Centrist Labour Gov than a Tory one. Division leads back to defeat.
Couple of points: Given that most commentators would describe the Starmer Gov as Centre Left, the author position is likely to be described as Left or Far Left. When was the last time this position was 'the heart of British Politics'? 40-50 years ago? Maybe? For a bit?
December 3, 2024 at 6:56 AM
Couple of points: Given that most commentators would describe the Starmer Gov as Centre Left, the author position is likely to be described as Left or Far Left. When was the last time this position was 'the heart of British Politics'? 40-50 years ago? Maybe? For a bit?
I'm always plagued by doubt when I see ear defenders on the children who already find learning tricky. I can't help but think of the Emperor's new clothes.
December 3, 2024 at 6:00 AM
I'm always plagued by doubt when I see ear defenders on the children who already find learning tricky. I can't help but think of the Emperor's new clothes.
My favourite post-bar dare was to go "over-the-top" in the lifts! I was clearly made of stern stuff 😎
November 29, 2024 at 9:50 PM
My favourite post-bar dare was to go "over-the-top" in the lifts! I was clearly made of stern stuff 😎
Lovely to meet you! William Morris Tower in the late 90s 😁
November 29, 2024 at 5:11 PM
Lovely to meet you! William Morris Tower in the late 90s 😁
Me too - fantastic Sociology department in the 90s
November 29, 2024 at 3:51 PM
Me too - fantastic Sociology department in the 90s